10 Best Places to Live in LA or Outside LA

[MtnSurfer]

If 90% of your clients are in LA I would look at where the greatest concentration of them are. Since traffic is so terrible in LA that should be prime consideration. Then look for a place in reasonable distance from them. I'm 'guessing' you chose Santa Monica for this reason. If that is the case then its probably a fine location as long as you can afford the rent.

Derek

[Ceece]

I know of a freelance fashion designer who lives with her parents in Pasadena, if that helps.

[hockfan86]

Actually no matter what you have a budget. Even with an 8 figure trust fund or salary there are always levels of wealth above you in places like LA and NYC. There is always another level up you can go unless you are a high billionaire.

[highlanderfil]

Guys, lay off. I'm as cynical as the next person, but I'm willing to give a 22-year-old the benefit of the doubt of not being mature enough to have established a budget (I'm not being condescending, just stating the obvious - how many of us had a budget at 22?). But if OP actually wants help, she'd be well served to share at least some kind of an idea what she pays right now and how much she expects (wants?) to pay going forward and what kind of apartment she is interested in.

[miagirl32]

Hi Alexis, if you are interested in West LA, take a look at Culver City, Palms and Mar Vista. These are safe (but not cheap) areas that tend to be pretty walkable. Affordable rentals can be found in these areas of westside, especially with roommates. They are also pretty close to Santa Monica (much more expensive) but would still be a commute if that is where your clients are.

[evoli]

Places near santa monica is suitable for those who have less budget.

[Ingenere]

"freelance"

[c.diddy]

Lolz at no budget good luck unless you're parents are filthy rich.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by alexis.short91

I am a freelance fashion designer. 90% of my clients are in LA. I am trying to save money by moving to LA or closer. Because, flying back and forth to CA from Illinois is alot. Sorry, I wasnt very detailed in my post.

You still absolutely have to have a budget or price in mind: no one can tell you where to live, what would be a good match for you or anything else without some idea as to what you are thinking. Are you planning on renting or buying? Are you looking for a 1 bedroom apartment or a place where you can entertain? You could be looking at $1000 a month or $5000, depending on what you want. Now, yes, Santa Monica is one area that comes to mind. It is walkable, a fun area if you are a single, which you sound like you are and it is very diverse. On the other end, there are places like So Pasadena that can be walkable, have a wonderful feeling and very popular, but also So Pasadena is pretty much family friendly, more than single friendly. Pasadena is another option. You really do have to have some idea though, before you start trying to decide what will work for you. If you were to talk to a realtor about renting or buying, he/she would need to know your budget.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by highlanderfil

Guys, lay off. I'm as cynical as the next person, but I'm willing to give a 22-year-old the benefit of the doubt of not being mature enough to have established a budget (I'm not being condescending, just stating the obvious - how many of us had a budget at 22?). But if OP actually wants help, she'd be well served to share at least some kind of an idea what she pays right now and how much she expects (wants?) to pay going forward and what kind of apartment she is interested in.

I would agree with you, except he has to have some idea what he wants or expects to pay? If he had simply said, how much should I plan on spending for say, a 1 bedroom apartment in a walkable neighborhood that would be one thing, but 22 or 100 he has to have some idea what they can afford. That is what most of us are saying, not that he or she (we don't know which) should have an exact budget, but a housing allowance.